NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY PAYS TRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONALWOMEN'S DAY
March 8, 1996 No. 35
AXWORTHY PAYS TRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN'S DAY
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd
Axworthy today paid tribute to the important role and contribution of women to
global development and peace.
"The protection of women's rights at home and internationally is an important
priority of this government. Respect for and safeguarding of fundamental values,
such as women's rights, are a pillar of Canada's foreign policy," said
Mr. Axworthy.
The Minister cited recent Canadian international initiatives that have helped to
enhance the global status of women:
Canada initiated a United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence
Against Women, which was adopted by the General Assembly in December 1993. Canada
also played a leading role in the creation, in March 1994, of a new position of
Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women.
At the World Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen in March 1995,
many issues of concern to women figured prominently on the agenda. Stressing the
link between poverty and social exclusion, Canada focussed attention on the
feminization of poverty as well as the need to encourage the full and active
participation of women in all aspects of social, political and economic life.
Canada played a leadership role in preparing for and participating at the Fourth
United Nations Conference on Women held in Beijing in September 1995. The Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action represent important gains in women's rights
and equality issues. Canada was instrumental in achieving agreement in a number
of key
areas, including the universality of women's rights, violence against women, rape
as a war crime and unpaid work.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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